Tummy Tuck Washington DC

A loose, flabby belly does not necessarily indicate that a person is out of shape. Sometimes, no matter how diligently we pursue a diet and exercise program, stubborn fat deposits and loose skin in the abdomen refuse to respond to our efforts.

During pregnancy, the expanding uterus stretches the muscle and outer skin of the stomach so severely it may lose the capacity to return to its original smooth, flat, youthful condition. Stretch marks and significant weight loss can leave loose hanging skin on the belly after the fat has been shed through hard work and diet efforts. Dr. Chang ranks among the top providers of tummy tuck Washington DC has to offer.

A tummy tuck is a surgical procedure to restore the belly to a firm, smooth appearance. Also known as abdominoplasty, the surgery is performed to remove excess fat and skin, tighten separated or weakened stomach muscles, and create a firmer, flatter, trimmer, and more attractive abdominal profile.

Dr. Christopher C. Chang is a highly trained, board-certified plastic surgeon serving the Washington DC area, including Maryland, and Northern Virginia. If you need a plastic surgeon in DC to perform a tummy tuck, schedule a consultation with Dr. Chang.

Benefits of a Tummy Tuck

A tummy tuck procedure is not a substitute for diet and exercise, but it does produce some outstanding results for patients who are good candidates for the surgery. Benefits of a tummy tuck include:

Tighter stomach muscles

Flatter belly

Elimination of loose, sagging skin

Reduction of the bulging tummy and lower abdomen

Smoother skin on the belly

This surgery is not designed to eliminate stretch marks. However, in many cases, the stretch marks are located in an area that is removed in the procedure and the stretch marks are removed as well.

If you are ready for a flatter, smoother belly after giving birth, losing a substantial amount of weight, or simply losing your abdominal muscle tone, contact our office for a consultation with Dr. Christopher C. Chang. He can tell you if tummy tuck surgery is the right treatment option for you.

How is tummy tuck performed?

Tummy tuck is major surgery that can take up to two to three hours to complete. It is performed under general anesthesia or intravenous sedation.

A horizontal incision is made above the pubic bone, similar to a C-section, but extended to the hip. The skin on the abdomen is lifted, and the weakened muscles underneath are repaired and tightened. A second incision may be needed around the navel to reset the new belly button.

The upper abdominal skin is pulled down, excess skin is trimmed, and the remaining skin is sutured together. The surgeon creates a new opening for the belly button, moves the belly button through the opening, and sutures it in place. The incisions are closed with several layers of sutures, adhesive tape, or clips.

Who Needs a Tummy Tuck?

Abdominoplasty can benefit women and men who have a flabby belly and weak abdominal muscles giving the body a less appealing contour. You might consider a tummy tuck if:

You have loose, hanging skin, fat deposits, and stretch marks on the abdomen that have not responded to diet and exercise

Pregnancy has stretched out your abdominal muscles and the skin on the belly area

Significant weight loss has left you with an “apron” of loose skin

A protruding abdomen is ruining the lines of your silhouette

The contours and appearance of your stomach are affecting your feelings of self-confidence